“Darling Lorraine” is a story-song by Paul Simon that tells
of the emotional journey of Lorraine and Frank. By saying “emotional journey,”
I mean that Simon is relating the ups and downs, the ecstasies and the miseries
in the emotions of their relationship. He could have tracked the logic of the
marriage or the history as seen from outside of the relationship; but instead,
he follows the ebb and flow of their feelings for each other. It is a captivating
window into one couple’s turbulent relationship. Interspersed throughout are
insights into how feelings often overrule common sense. It is a cautionary tale
of the power of emotions. Dallas Willard said,
“Feelings are, with a few exceptions, good
servants. But they are disastrous masters.”
[1]
“Darling Lorraine”
The first time I saw her
I couldn’t be sure
But the sin of impatience
Said “She’s just what you’re looking for”
So I walked right up to her
And with the part of me that talks
I introduced myself as Frank
From New York,
New York
She’s so hot
She’s so cool
I’m not
I’m just a fool in love with Darling Lorraine
All my life I’ve been a wanderer
Not really, I mostly lived near my parent’s home
Anyway Lorraine and I got married
And the usual marriage stuff
Then one day she says to me
From out of the blue
She says, “Frank, I’ve had enough
Romance is a heart-breaker
I’m not meant to be a homemaker
And I’m tired of being Darling Lorraine”
What!? you don’t love me anymore?
What!? you’re walking out the door?
What!? you don’t like the way I chew?
Hey, let me tell you
You’re not the woman that I wed
You say you’re depressed but you’re not
You just like to stay in bed
I don’t need you darling Lorraine
Darling Lorraine
Lorraine
I long for your love
Financially speaking
I guess I’m a washout
Everybody’s buy and sell
And sell and buy
That’s what the whole thing’s all about
If it had not been Lorraine
I’d have left here long ago
I should have been a musician
I love the piano
She’s so light
She’s so free
I’m tight, well, that’s me
But I feel so good
With Darling Lorraine
On Christmas morning Frank awakes
To find Lorraine has made a stack of pancakes
They watch the television, husband and wife
All afternoon “It’s a wonderful life”
What!? you don’t love me anymore?
What!? you’re walking out the door?
What!? you don’t like the way I chew?
Hey let me tell you
You’re not the woman that I wed
Gimme my robe I’m going back to bed
I’m sick to death of you Lorraine
Darling Lorraine
Lorraine
Her hands like wood
The doctor was smiling
But the news wasn’t good
Darling Lorraine
Please don’t leave me yet
I know you’re in pain
Pain you can’t forget
Your breathing is like an echo of our love
Maybe I’ll go down to the corner store
And buy us something sweet
Here’s an extra blanket honey
To wrap around your feet
All the trees were washed with April rain
And the moon in the meadow
Took Darling Lorraine
Words and music by Paul Simon
Copyright held by Universal Music Publishing Group

Works Cited:

Willard, Dallas. Renovation of
the Heart.
Carol Stream: NavPress, 2002.


[1] (Willard 2002)

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